Today I leave Chiavari for an art residency in the woods above Pegli, a suburb of Genova. The coast looks pretty good from the train window. I would go for a swim if it weren’t for all those stairs.
Traveling through Genova, I see its densely stacked buildings and feel glad to pass them by.
I finally arrive at the art residency run by Baixi, an organization promoting an appreciation of nature. Everywhere I hear the sound of the rushing river. Paper mills once operated along the river in the Varenna Valley. The place I am living was once a granary mill.
Two Russian ceramic artists are departing the day I arrive. They are leaving their large nearly life-sized sculpture for all to enjoy.
I collect leaves, and with the help of Francesca, the director, find their names in both English and Italian. I’m not sure what I will do with them yet.
Two mules live on the property. In my explorations, I accidentally enter their domain.
They come around to say hello, but I head for the gate.
One night we watch a movie, A Star is Born, in the dark woods.
Pegli is a hike down the mountain but given the heat, I decide to wait for a ride from Roger, Francesca’s husband. I check out the beach. Francesca says the water is polluted from the airport and nearby industries.
Stores have just closed at 1pm so I am unable to purchase one of these meringues in the window of a pastry shop. Just as well. The healthy meals at the residency have been making me feel better than usual. Maybe too much sugar?
I have quite a long stay at this residency. It is very laid back and a welcome respite from the travel schedule I have been keeping. The residents are great, including young French and German volunteers who help out with the garden. Problems? the intense heat and the rocky terrain. Otherwise I am thoroughly enjoying the peaceful, natural setting with an occasional excursion to town.